Did you know that the game of craps’ origins is not entirely known? The most widely accepted origin story is that Sir William of Tyre invented the game.
Craps is a popular dice game that one can play at land-based and online casinos. The game is simple to learn but also complex.
In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about playing craps. We’ll also give you tips on improving your craps gameplay. Read on for all the information you need to dominate a craps table!
TIP 1: UNDERSTAND THE HOUSE EDGE
House edges are probably one of the most important elements that you should keep an eye out for when selecting a craps table.
The house edge, also known as the house advantage, is a certain figure that describes the percentage of each bet the casino expects to retain. It is often used as a reflection of what a craps player stands to lose in the long run, but the house edge also reflects the odds of a specific bet winning. The house edge differs based on the type of bet made.
For example, the Pass Line bet has a low house edge of 1.41%. This implies that, for every €100 chance, the casino expects to keep €1.41.
On the other hand, bets with a high house edge, like the Any 7 bet, have a house edge of 16.67%. This implies that, for every €100 chance, the casino expects to keep €16.67.
Also, it’s important to note that the house edge is only relevant over the long run. In the short term, anything can happen. For example, a player could make a series of Pass Line bets and win several times in a row. However, if they keep betting on the Pass Line, their luck will eventually run out, and they will start losing money, which is why keeping the house edge in mind is essential.
By making low-house edge bets and avoiding high-house edge bets, you might be able to sway the odds in your favour and have a better chance of winning in the long run.
TIP 2: USE A GOOD CRAPS STRATEGY
While craps is a relatively simple game to play, it isn’t only about placing bets and rolling the dice. There are a lot of thought processes behind your dice throws, which is why having a good strategy is essential. This is because craps strategies help you allocate your bankroll more effectively through smart betting. There are many craps strategies out there, so allow us to take you through a few of them:
THE MARTINGALE AND REVERSE MARTINGALE BETTING SYSTEM
The Martingale system is probably the best strategy out there. This system is based on doubling your bet after a loss. For example, if you place an initial bet of €5 and the outcome is a loss, you would then bet €10. If the bet loses again, you will then bet €20 and keep doubling your bet until you eventually win. The theory is that you’d be able to recoup your losses with several small wins.
Remember, there is always the chance that you could lose several times in a row and end up with a considerable loss — but no craps strategy comes without its risks.
Another popular strategy is the counter-renowned Reverse Martingale system. Instead of doubling your bet after a loss, you double your bet after a win. The theory behind this system is that you can recoup all your losses with one big win. While this system is not as risky, losing a lot of money is still possible if you have a streak of bad luck.
IRON CROSS STRATEGY
This craps strategy is specifically for the Field bet. Here, the player bets on the numbers two, three, four, nine, 10, 11, and 12. If any of these numbers are rolled, the player wins. The only outcome that will result in a loss is a rolled seven.
This craps strategy is referred to as the ‘Iron Cross’ strategy because all the possible winning numbers are covered, and the only losing number is in the middle. This makes it look like an iron cross when it is written out.
While this craps strategy does have a high probability of winning, it also has a meagre payout. This is because the player is only betting on seven numbers, with 36 possible outcomes on every roll of the dice.
THREE-POINT MOLLY STRATEGY
The Three-Point Molly craps strategy is similar to the Iron Cross method but is a much more aggressive strategy. In addition to betting on the numbers two, three, four, nine, 10, 11, and 12, the player must also place bets on five and eight.
This craps strategy is known as the ‘Three-Point Molly’ because craps players will be betting on three points (five, eight, and 10). This makes it look like a three-pointed star when it is written out.
While this method does have a high probability of winning, it also offers a meagre payout. This is because the player is only betting on eight numbers, yet there are still 36 possible outcomes on every roll of the dice.
HEDGE BETTING STRATEGY
If you want to turn up the heat, Hedge Betting takes things a step further. In addition to betting on the numbers two, three, four, nine, 10, 11, and 12, as in the Three-Point Molly craps strategy, the player also bets on five and eight. The player also places additional bets on six or eight.
This craps strategy is referred to as ‘hedge betting’ because craps players will be hedging their bets by betting on multiple numbers. This lowers the risk of losing money, but it also reduces the potential winnings.
While this craps strategy does have a lower probability of winning than some of the other strategies on this list, it also offers a higher payout. This is because players will be betting on multiple numbers and may win a lot of money if they hit one of their craps bets.
TIP 3: CONSISTENCY IS KEY
While there are many craps strategy tips we can give you, the most critical craps tip for any player is to be consistent. This means betting the same amount on every roll of the dice and sticking to the bets you know have a higher probability of winning.
Being consistent may minimise your losses and give you a better chance of becoming a big winner in the long run.
Of course, no system or craps strategy is perfect, and there will always be times when your roll results in a loss. However, you will ultimately come ahead if you are consistent with your bets.
TIP 4: DON’T RELY ON HOT STREAKS
It is also important not to get too emotional while betting at a craps table. Many players make impulsive bets when they’re feeling lucky or on a hot streak. However, this is often a recipe for disaster. It is better to stick to your original chances of winning and not let your emotions take over.
If you start feeling emotional while playing, it is best to take a break. This will help you clear your head and return to the game with a fresh perspective. It is also essential to have a good money management strategy in place and stick to it. This will help prevent you from chasing your losses and losing even more cash. You don’t need a big bankroll to play craps, but one bad session can leave a dent in your wallet.
TIP 5: FOCUS ON SMALLER BET UNITS
When placing craps bets, focusing on smaller bet units is often best. This means betting smaller amounts of money on each roll of the dice. Doing this will minimise your losses and give you a better chance of winning in the long run.
Your bet units will be determined based on your bankroll, table minimum and loss limits. However, as a general rule, it is best to start with smaller bet units and increase them as you become more comfortable with the game.
Of course, many players face losing in craps — it’s all part of the game! However, if most players are consistent with their bets and focus on smaller bet units, they may be able to come out ahead.
TIP 6: FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH YOUR BETTING OPTIONS
Understanding the basic bets available on a craps table is also quite critical to your gameplay. Craps is a pretty unique table game and does not share any similarities with other casino games other than the fact that it is a game of chance. So, it’ll be safe to say that such wagers will take some getting used to. While there are many types of bets you can place, they can be split into two major categories: one-roll bets and multi-roll bets. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of bets you’ll be able to place in one craps session.
ONE-ROLL BETS
One-roll bets, as their name suggests, are wagers that are valid for only one dice roll. These types of bets are sometimes referred to as single-roll bets or proposition bets and can be placed during both the Point Roll phase and the Come Out roll phase. Single-roll bets include:
- Field Bet: This is a bet that the next roll will be a two, three, four, nine, 10, 11, or 12. Craps players win if their prediction is correct and lose if a five, six, seven, or eight rolls. This does happen quite often in a game of craps.
- Seven Bet: A combination bet that covers any rolled combination of seven, including one and six, two and five, three and four.
- Craps Bet: Craps bets cover any craps roll. Totals of two, three and 12 win and pay 7:1 when other rolls lose.
- C-E Bet: This bet covers the combination of any craps total, as well as the bet on 11. Craps players are awarded a different payout depending on the outcome of the roll.
MULTI-ROLL BETS
Unlike single-roll bets, multi-roll bets are not settled after the first roll. Instead, these craps bets will stay on the table until a total of seven or the same established point number is rolled.
- Pass Line Bet: This is the most fundamental bet in craps. The craps player places their chips on the ‘Pass Line’ on the Craps table to make this bet. The player wins if the shooter rolls a seven or 11 on the first roll and loses if the shooter hits a two, three, or 12. If any other number rolls, this becomes the ‘point.’ The player then wins if the shooter hits the point again during the Come Out Roll before rolling a seven and loses if the shooter hits a seven first.
- Don’t Pass Line Bet: This is the opposite of the Pass Line bet, except with the Don’t Pass Line, the player bets that the shooter will ‘crap out’ or roll a two, three, or 12 on the first roll. If the shooter does not crap out, the player loses. If any other number rolls, this becomes the ‘point.’ The player then wins if the shooter rolls a seven before rolling the point again and loses if the shooter hits the point again first.
- Come Bet: This bet is similar to the Pass Line bet but can be made any time after the established point and offers a lower house edge. The player places their chips in the ‘Come’ area on the craps table to make this bet. The player then wins if the shooter hits a seven or 11 on the next roll and loses if the shooter rolls a two, three, or 12. If any other number rolls, this becomes the player’s ‘Come point.’ The player then wins if the shooter hits their come point again before rolling a seven and loses if the shooter hits a seven first.
- Don’t Come Bet: This is the opposite of the Come bet and is among the betting options that offer the lowest house edge. The player bets the shooter will roll a two, three, or 12 on the next roll. The player loses if the shooter does not roll one of these numbers. If any other number rolls, this becomes the player’s ‘come point.’ The player then wins if the shooter hits a seven before rolling their come point again and loses if the shooter rolls their come point again first.
- Place Bet: Place bets involve wagering on the fact that a specific number will roll before a seven rolls. The numbers that can be bet on include four, five, six, eight, nine, and 10. Craps players win Place bets if their prediction is correct but will strike out if a seven is rolled first.
- Buy Bet: This is a bet that a specific number will roll before a seven rolls. The numbers that can be bet on are four, five, six, eight, nine, and 10.
- Hardway Bet: This is a bet that a specific double will roll before a seven or in another combination. For example, a Hardway bet on eight would win if two fours roll before either a seven or other dice combinations of eight. These bets can be made on doubles of four, six, eight, and 10.
- Take Odds Bet: The Take Odds bet pays true odds of the established point against a seven and will win together with a Pass bet or Come bet. The maximum Odds bet that can be placed is based on the multiplier specified in the bet limits. The Take Odds bet is only available for Pass bets or Come bets that have an established point.
- Lay Odds Bet: The Lay Odds bet also pays true odds against an established point and will win together with a Don’t Pass bet or Don’t Come bet. Lay Odds bets are only available for Don’t Pass or Don’t Come bets that have an established point.
TIP 7: PLAY AT REPUTABLE CASINOS
When playing online, at a land-based casino, or in a Live Casino, it is essential to make sure you are playing at a reputable establishment. This will ensure you are getting fair craps odds and that the casino table games are not rigged. Many reputable online casinos offer craps games, but many fake or rogue casinos are out to scam players.
Therefore, it is essential to do your research before selecting an online casino to play at. You can read reviews of online casinos to get an idea of which ones are reputable and which ones you should avoid.
TIP 8: LIMIT YOUR TIME PLAYING
It is also crucial to give yourself a time limit when playing. This will help keep your gambling habits in check. Set a loss limit for yourself and stick to it. Once you have reached your loss limit, it is time to walk away from the table. This will help you avoid becoming too emotionally attached to the game and making impulsive bets you would not usually make.
TIP 9: CLAIM BONUSES AND REDEEM REWARDS
Many online casino games offer comp points and bonuses you can redeem for cash or other rewards when playing online. These prizes can significantly boost your bankroll, so if you want the best odds of winning, taking advantage of these offers is in your best interest.
Keep in mind, however, that no matter what promotion you claim, it will always come with Terms and Conditions attached. These terms dictate how, when and if you can claim a bonus at all, so it is crucial that you give them a solid run-through. Terms and Conditions may include wagering requirements, expiration dates, minimum bets, win cap and jurisdictional limitations, among others.
TIP 10: INCREASE BETS WITH PROFITS AND SET ASIDE SOME OF THE WINNINGS
When you are on a winning streak, it is often best to set some of the profit you’ve made aside to have a buffer in case of a losing streak.
It is also crucial to remember that no system or strategy is perfect. There will always be times when you lose, as no game has zero house edge. Therefore, it is essential to manage your bankroll wisely and not bet more than you can afford to lose.
TIP 11: STREAKS ARE AN ADVANTAGE
When playing craps, it is essential to remember that streaks are an advantage. Many players believe that a winning streak is simply luck. However, this is not the case.
If you hit a win streak, you are making the right decisions. Therefore, you should continue betting and take advantage of the streak. Of course, there will always be times when the streak ends. However, you will ultimately come ahead if you are disciplined with your betting and safeguarding your bankroll.
The most important thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy the game.
TIP 12: WHEN POINT IS ESTABLISHED, YOU CAN ALSO INCREASE PROFITS
Only players who prefer Come Bets and Pass Line Bets should focus on this tip. If the point is six or eight, it is recommended that you place an extra wager on the Come bet. This will potentially result in small but frequent winnings until the shooter sevens out.
If the point is five or nine, you should do the same with Pass bets. The only difference is that your bet will be lost if the point is nine and the shooter rolls a seven before hitting the end. Nevertheless, this craps strategy may still give you an advantage in the long term and reduces the negative impact of seven-outs.
TIP 13: PRACTISE IN THE DEMO MODE
As we mentioned earlier, the game of craps is not one without its complexities. With the use of a craps strategy or not, most players may find their first dice roll a little daunting, but there is one way to make it less so — demo play!
The demo is a free-play version of the game that allows players to bet using a virtual bankroll instead of their actual cash. This is great because rather than putting real money on the line to figure out what bets to place, they can familiarise themselves with all the different bets — free of charge. Learn dice control, craps odds, and even put some craps strategy tips to good use.
Bear in mind that a demo craps game does not allow players to collect any of the winnings they earn as all wins are completely virtual. The demo was simply designed to learn the ropes and prevent them from placing the same bet over and over.
Craps is a game that is often played live, but players may find a few First-Person tables too, which is how they’ll get to access the demo.
PLAY CRAPS AT ENERGYCASINO
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Newbies and seasoned players can find everything from roulette to blackjack, poker and baccarat. Aside from giving players a few craps tips, we even like to throw in a few strategy tips in our articles and give them the low down on everything Casino and Live Casino. Learn how to place more bets, what to do in the event of a losing streak, the best bets to place, how the house edge affects different bets, etc.
Whether you play craps or any other game, you’ll always have a fun time at EnergyCasino.